Anorexia or anorexia nervosa to give it is proper name is a kind of eating disorder but is also classed as a psychological disorder as well. As of yet, no one has determined the cause of the condition but there has been plenty of research into the possibilities. Many specialists feel that it is socially linked where the individuals concerned initially feel compelled to become thin and “attractive”. Some research evidence appears to suggest that a specific area of the brain (the hypothalamus), which is responsible for some metabolic processes is to blame while others suggest that hormone imbalance could be to blame. As things stand though, the jury is still out.

Anorexia

Almost 95% of all anorexia sufferers are female, but as you can see from the figures, males can develop it as well. Normally anorexia starts to make itself apparent in adolescents or during the onset of puberty, but it has been seen in both adults and children as well.

What is quite startling about the condition is the fact that in the so-called countries of high economic prosperity, one in every hundred girls of adolescent age has the disorder. Even more interesting is the fact that anorexia is more prevalent in Caucasians than any other racial background and the middle to higher classes of society.

Obesity occurs when excess weight causes health problems.  People with obesity usually have a BMI or Body Mass Index greater than 30.  Weight gain is usually caused when energy (calorie) intake is more than calories burnt.  There are many risks for people with obesity as it can contribute to an increase in a variety of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.  Some people are more prone to weight gain than others and this can be down to genes, however, most people find that obesity is a factor of lifestyle and eating behaviors.

Many people eat when they are depressed, lonely, anxious, stressed or just when they are bored.  Obesity is also linked to a lack of physical exercise.  In today’s day there seems to be more and more examples of children showing signs of obesity at an alarmingly young age.  Schools, parents and government organizations seem to be recognizing the need to encourage children to eat more healthily and to support exercise programs.

Obesity

There is a higher amount of processed, cheaper foods available on the market today which are higher in sugar, salt, and fat which contributes to the increase in obesity levels among young people.  Coupled with the trend for video games and increased numbers of TV channels it is no surprise that more and more young people are being diagnosed with obesity every day.

Diet and exercise are the most important factors when preventing obesity.  In order to lose weight people need to reduce daily calories and partake in at least 20 – 30 minutes of exercise daily.  Increased fruit and vegetables can help to feel full and reduce the chance of reaching for sugary foods which contain more fat.

Bipolar disorder is more commonly known as manic depression and is actually a fairly common mood disorder. The condition can be characterized by alternating episodes of depression and euphoria and there are several symptoms associated with it that affect the daily functioning of an individual as well as the relationships they have with others. Some of these symptoms include depression and a feeling of despondency as well as irregular sleeping patterns, loss of interest in various activities which may have been pleasurable in the past and suicidal thoughts.

The difference between bipolar disorder and major depression is the instances of manic episodes, sometimes described as great emotional highs in between bouts of depression. When an individual goes through these manic episodes or states, the symptoms can vary greatly and include an increase in energy, restlessness, poor judgment, euphoria, lack of concentration and a less than normal requirement for sleep. The afflicted individual may also appear very irritable, speak rapidly and thing they are invincible, or at least have more capabilities than they actually possess.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can fortunately be treated, and more often than not the people treated do achieve a quite substantial change in the mood swings they suffer, allowing them to lead an almost normal live. Treatment involves medication known as mood stabilizers.